How To Properly...
Repair a Clothes Dryer
Step One. What can go wrong with a clothes dryer? This is a question that you may ask yourself the first time you purchase one of your own to place in your house or other residence. A clothes dryer is a more simple device than you may think. It consists of a motor, an area to hold the articles of clothing called the drum, a heat source, the drive belt, the timer motor, control knobs and an exhaust duct. These are the items that could go awry and create a need for repair. Any time one of the units on a dryer isn't running smoothly, or isn't running at all you would be better off to get it serviced. Keeping the entire appliance in top shape prevents more parts messing up or even more trouble, burning out.
Step Two. Locate your owner's manual. Some dryers have digital controls that have programmable diagnostic tools. The instructions for using these are in the owner's manual that comes with the dryer. These diagnostic tools use codes which are listed in your owner's manual, these codes when translated offer repair advice that has as it's intention the purpose of holding down repair costs. The information generated by using these diagnostic tools informs you of the most economical means of fixing your appliance before you compare to any advice that a service man may give you. This can often save you money, or, even time, because you may be able to do the fix up yourself.
Step Three. Check the circuit breaker and the lint trap. Two very common problems that happen with a home clothes dryer are the circuit breaker trips off or blows a fuse, or, lint has built up too heavily in the lint trap. Any time your clothes dryer won't start at all you should check your electrical box to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. All you have to do, if this is it, is turn it all the way to off for a few minutes and then turn it back on (this will match the other latches in the box in direction) flush with the rest of the breaker switches. The next problem, that of extra lint in the trap, may cause your clothes to dry more slowly than usual. When this happens you should clean the lint screen thoroughly, removing every last hint of lint and you should check the exhaust duct for crimps or cramping and lay it out straighter as well as cleaning any excessive lint from it while you are at it. Also clean the vent and check the electrical cord leading to the dryer for breakage or frayed places. Make sure the start switch corresponds to the opening and closing of the dryer's door as to the stopping and starting of the motor.
Step Four. Check switches and other parts. If the dryer runs when the door is open, the door switch is faulty. You will need a trained repair man if the timer, it's motor or the drum won't function as they should. The timer has special wiring, and the drum cannot be dealt with by an amateur. Dryers also may not turn off if the room they are in is too chilly. Put a heater in the room or wait until later in the day when the sun may warm it up.
Step Five. Test the heating element. Locate the heating element and make certain it is heating when you turn the controls on warm or hot. If it isn't you need to replace it. If your dryer runs hot or won't turn off, check the thermostats for accuracy and make sure the drive belt is in place and not broken in any way. Also, make sure that you don't put too many pieces in the dryer at one time.
Step Six. Make certain the dryer is level and tighten any loose screws. Noisy operation of the dryer usually means that the dryer is out of balance or level with the underlying floor. Place adjustments under the dryer's bottom or feet and adjust until the noise subsides. Also, check for loose screws. If there are any loose screws on the dryer, such as on the body or the rear panel of the dryer, tighten them with the appropriate screwdriver.
Step Seven. Gather the necessary tools. Tools to have on hand when you test your home dryer for yourself to repair are a multimeter, a nut drive, a putty knife, an assortment of screwdrivers both flat and Phillips head plus parts and accessories that you have picked up at the hardware store or from the manufacturer. You can also get dryer parts at home centers or any gas and electric appliance supplier.
